LAST UPDATE | 42 mins ago

A MURDER INVESTIGATION has been launched following the fatal assault of a man in his 60s in Finglas, Dublin, overnight.

The dead man has been named locally as Josh Fowler, 60, and it is understood he was stabbed in an incident at a house in Dunsink Green shortly before 12.30am.

He was known to gardaí and had served a prison sentence for drugs offences.

Shane Fowler, Josh’s son, was killed in May 2018 when he lost control of a motorbike he was riding. It is believed he was on the way to carry out a shooting at the time of the motorbike crash. While he lay dying on the roadway a young boy took the gun he was carrying. 

While it is early in the investigation it is understood that one of the theories gardaí are focusing on is that Josh Fowler was stabbed in a dispute over money owed to an other group.

Sources have said that it is a working theory that he may not have been the intended target when a scuffle broke out. 

Josh Fowler was taken to taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled.

Gardaí from the Technical Bureau and the State Pathologist have been requested for assistance, a garda statement said. The scene remains preserved for forensic examination this morning, it added.

A Senior Investigating Officer and Family Liaison Office have been appointed. An incident room has been established at Finglas Garda Station.

Gardaí investigating this murder are appealing to anyone who may have information or may have witnesses the incident to come forward.

Investigators are also asking motorists who may have been in the area and have dashcam or video footage to also come forward. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

No arrests have been made at this time. Investigations are ongoing.